LMS_SA_Overseas

During the last couple of years South Africans abroad have often been the punch bag in arguments on the development, or lack thereof, in the new South African set-up. It is very difficult to generalise within the context of these arguments. The reasons why so many South Africans are living abroad, wherever they may be, are just as complex as they are varied. Like many other factors within the current South African set-up, this might be something that must rather be seen in a more positive than negative light.

From a negative point of view there are those who see the flocking out of young dynamic people from South Africa as the “brain drain”. Also that those who leave are making a statement to the rest of the world that they don’t trust the country and its future.

Just as one cannot generalise, it would be difficult for anyone to speak on behalf of those abroad. It is, however, a reality that there are far fewer South Africans abroad for political reasons than one is sometimes led to believe. And also that many, many return back home.

In the past, let’s say late 80s early 90s, young South Africans stuck to the way things were being done. You went to the army without asking questions; you went to varsity because your dad and your brother were there (and then you also wanted to be in the same res as your dad); you wanted to become a dominee ‘cause your grandfather was one … In short: we lived in a society where culture and tradition made the rules which most people followed without asking too many questions.

From about mid-90s, when the international gates were thrown open, we discovered a whole new world out there - a world full of interesting options, opportunities and ideas - especially for young people.

New graduates could now easily pay back their study debt; people who had reached a cul de sac in their career could now explore new horizons; those who just wanted to turn a page or wanted to make a fresh start somewhere could now do so. Many others who, due to their own frame of reference, could not or did not want to handle the growing pains of the new South Africa could now go to a place where they could feel happy/ier. Then there are the many young ex-matriculants and ex-graduates who can globetrot while making up their minds about their future prospects.

How much of this should be seen in a negative light? For the sake of argument, one must probably leave blame aside. We all have different ways of dealing with trauma and/or specific circumstances. How can you blame somebody for taking drastic decisions after a violent crime has been committed against him/her? How can you blame someone who accepts a non-refusable offer from an overseas company? We all come from different places and we are all in different places in our lives at any given time, and you should not feel guilty about the decisions you take regarding your circumstances and future expectations.

However, there is certainly a corps of South Africans out there who will not miss a single opportunity to bad-mouth South Africa – obviously doing nobody a favour. More often than not, many of them will have far deeper underlying problems, which they project on all the negative aspects in South Africa. And this you will often find in a place like London. Someone is in a lost place in his/her life and then everything is South Africa’s fault. When you talk to the person, you realise that the problem has far more to do with personal decision making (that went wrong) than it has anything to do with the country that offered him/her probably more than most other countries would have.

It is strange, and it sparks off debates, how dualistic South Africans abroad can be. The reaction and support during sporting events (such as the World Cups) underline a great passion, but the talk afterwards in the bar or around a fire confirms that many of them ‘left’ South Africa for a reason. It is often these people who also seem to have all the answers for South Africa.

In the light of all of this one could ask if you as a South African can or should place your personal ambitions and interest above that of your country. It is all good and well for you as a bright young doctor to go and work overseas, but doesn’t South Africa need you more? This is a very difficult question, although it looks like it has an easy answer. Maybe the answer is twofold. Just as you want to assume that a South African must place his/her country’s interest on the highest ground, you also want to assume that your country should look after your interests as best as it can.

A great aspect of any citizen’s happiness is being sure of safe and fair working and living conditions – and exactly what these are will depend on personal circumstances and expectations. It is only when you realise the real effects of immigration and naturalisation (for whatever good reason sometimes), where you disallow your child the opportunity to grow up with the African sun in his/her face, that one really wants to focus on the positive aspects of the phenomenon of South Africans abroad.

•Skills: True to popular belief: there are many ways to skin a cat! You will learn something in a different way overseas. Not necessarily in a better way, but you will acquire and hone skills which will add new dimensions to your current capabilities. This cannot be a disadvantage to South Africa – obviously as long as you return!

•Ideas: The world out there is jampacked with bright and innovative people. Somewhere you’ll meet someone who will tickle your creative string.

•Money: You will certainly not go overseas to make any money for South Africa as such. And why should you? But it is a fact that many South Africans abroad contribute greatly to their country of origin. Apart from money being sent to families, there are investments, trade relations and many other initiatives that create an economic stimulus, which benefits South Africa eventually. On their return many expats also plough money back, or create jobs by businesses they start. Being overseas also sometimes teaches you something about money management – and we can all do with that!

•Attitude: South Africans became world citizens who mix with many other cultures, views and backgrounds on a daily basis. This opens the mind and lets the crust of prejudice and ignorance drop from our eyes.

•Work ethic: One can say a lot of things about the South African – but one thing is for sure: the average South African’s work ethic is extremely highly regarded worldwide. Normally we are quite flexible and willing to walk the extra mile. This can obviously rub off on your fellow workers, and in a synergising way on yourself, which can be a positive factor in your future. You will definitely get a good idea of your capabilities, especially under difficult circumstances.

•General: As mentioned before, it is difficult to generalise when it comes to South Africans abroad. It is, however, not unfair to suggest that there are many South Africans abroad who do more for South Africa than the ever-whining bunch at home, which you also get. South Africans overseas can be South Africa’s best advert – or its worst.

They say that a ship’s voyage is successful only upon its coming into the harbour. Those who wandered off and returned can have endless benefits for South Africa. If this is the case, the whole experience will also have more meaning for the person if he/she uses that experience constructively back home.

There are many more examples where we do not have to see South Africans abroad as a negative proposition. It is just important to strive for a win-win situation, where the country on the one hand must live up to its responsibility to ensure that people want to live here (or return from abroad), and where on the other hand South Africans themselves live up to the responsibility to help build the New South Africa.

London for the South African

When Samuel Johnson said “When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life”, he probably didn’t realise how this cliché would be thrown around years from then.

London is one of the great cities of the world, and with its cosmopolitan coat and welcoming smile it offers something very special to many foreigners. It is, however, a city with a dark and bureaucratic backhand, which can slap you when you least need it – but that is life. In the last resort it remains an excellent breeding place for experience and the many South Africans can testify to this.

The reasons why so many South Africans stream to London are also really varied. Some go to work, some go to play – and eventually they work and play; some just want to forget, get away, walk around - whatever the reason/s may be: London leaves an impression that can influence a person’s life for a long time. Being a city rich in cultural diversity, opportunities and entertainment, it offers you a unique gateway to the rest of the world – and also to your future.

Should I go – should I stay?

London manifests itself in different ways. Initially it is an idea: you see in your mind the carefree lifestyle and pounds that wink. During the first few months, however, London becomes more of a mindset: you have to think your way into a way of living. When you have settled in, London becomes more of a lifestyle. However, throughout it will offer you choice.

Even with the rand/pound roller coaster ride it will remain a very good financial consideration to work in London for quite some time. But you will have to work for it and you will have to tune into the right mindset very fast. Normally when you speak to friends abroad, they only tell you about the money and/or the fun parts. They seldom tell you about the extremely long hours they have to work, being broke after travelling, or the long, icy and dark winters they have to endure.

It is a fact that many people are really misinformed when they arrive in London. For many it is just not what they expected and they catch an early flight home. This is just too expensive a mistake. Inform yourself to the best of your ability before going.

It is also very important for you to clarify your objective. Why are you going? Do you want to make money? How much? Do you want to travel? By ascertaining and pinning down your purpose, you will find it much easier to get what you want once you arrive.

What London will teach you

•To be independent and make your own decisions;

•How to work with money;

•What your working capabilities are;

•How to do planning and organising;

•To understand the world and human nature better;

•To be streetwise;

•To appreciate South Africa;

•About yourself.

Be sure to see it all in London – the rich, the poor, the pretty and the less pretty, history and development … but most of all see and experience life … live it!

The Truth about Working & Living in London

•London is ruled by a very rigid system and nobody escapes it. Basically your say doesn’t count a great deal; it's either yes or no with hardly any exceptions made. Generally Londoners have a love affair with the word ‘no’. So, if you're used to getting things done your way and in your time, London will have some surprises for you. Here you don't call the shots!

•Although there is more than enough work available, it does not necessarily mean that you'll find what you are looking for within the first day or even within the first month. You might even end up with work that you didn't plan to do at all. This is especially applicable to unskilled and short-term work. If you are skilled or qualified in a certain field, it could be very helpful to contact employment agencies before you leave South Africa, as there are always positions for qualified people, especially in the banking sector.

•Don't think you can travel and bring loads of money back home, unless you find a very well-paid job. The pound is still strong and could mean a lot to you in South Africa, but if you don't budget and save in the right way, you might end up broke most of the time.

•All companies and agencies pay either weekly or fortnightly, but they pay at least one week in arrears. This generally means that you'll be paid for all the work you've done this week till, say, Sunday at the end of next week. It is important to take note of this, if you don't plan to take too much money over with you initially. Many people think they can arrive in London and will immediately have cash in hand. ‘Work today – get paid today’ jobs are very scarce, and if you are lucky to find one, the pay will seldom be more than £40 per 8 hour day.

•The winter is very depressing, because it starts getting dark at 3pm, is very cold and generally miserable.

•London is not heaven, nor is it on another planet. Many of the services and products you'll find here are no better or worse than in South Africa. In fact they are not overly focused on customer services. Expect to pack your own grocery bag and to help yourself at the petrol pump.

•If your idea is just to work and make money, remember that touring will become very tempting, as everybody does it. You will probably want to tour at some stage. Most people who go over with the idea of just working and earning money normally enjoy London less than those who have a more balanced approach.

•You will have the experience of your life!